Wine Advocate 90 points (Dec 2013)Even darker and more backward is the 2010 Graciano, a wine produced with an austere but powerful grape variety, with plenty of dark berry fruit, ink, peat, graphite and a touch of leather. The palate shows plenty of acidic fruit flavors and some sweet spices. Give it one more year in bottle. Drink 2014-2018.

Wine maker notes

”We have created Baron de Ley Varietales range as a homage to the Riojan varietal diversity; to the elements that have built the prestige and reputation of this, our land, through the centuries.
From the very beginning the vineyards have been our primary focus at Baron de Ley. Inspired by our “chateau” philosophy we have always aimed at expressing the climate, soil and varietal character of our vineyards. As a result, Baron de Ley now has a superlative vineyard holding that combines the omnipresent Tempranillo with other varieties that represent the least known face of Rioja.
We felt that those varieties, destined to increase the complexity of the current blends in our range, also demanded special wines from us, unique wines that could show our identity throwing some light on its reverse. Pure, untamed varietals which will help in a better understanding.
As a consequence to the investments over the last 10 years, the Baron de Ley Group has become by far the biggest owner of non-Tempranillo vineyards, comprehending 90 Has. of Garnacha, 64 of Graciano and 31 of Maturana tinta.”-Victor Fuentes | Baron de Ley
Terroir: This 100% Graciano is sourced from Baron de Ley’s Los Almendros estate in Rioja Baja which sits at over 1500 feet in elevation and enjoys a more Mediterranean influence compared to Rioja Alta. Yields are kept low at 40-45 hectoliters per hectare.
Vinification: Primary fermentation occurs in stainless steel at cool temperatures over a period of 7 days followed by 3 additional days of maceration. Malolactic fermentation takes place over a period of 15 days in oak cask. The wines are aged for a total of 15 months in American oak casks.